DeKALB — Scouts from DeKalb’s Troop 33 recently journeyed to the shore of Lake Superior to experience a four-day winter adventure. They camped in snow trenches, hiked on the ice of the frozen lake, visited a museum and went dog sledding on a trail in the great north woods. The Superior Winter Adventure took place over the Presidents Day weekend.

Scouts went snow camping along the shoreline, sleeping outdoors in trenches dug into snowdrifts and covered by tarps. The night was cold with strong winds, punctuated by the sounds of coyotes.

Lake Superior offered ice hiking in the Apostle Islands area. Hiking on an ice shelf provided a challenging walk on sharp ridges, as Scouts carefully climbed over the ice formations, using trekking poles for extra support and balance.

The final stage of the adventure involved dog sledding. After learning about dog care and mushing, boys took turns driving dog sleds along trails winding through the woods. The boys and dogs made great partners.

Troop 33 also enjoyed many other great winter adventures in January and February, including skiing and snowboarding at Cascade Mountain and Kalahari water park in Wisconsin.

Illinois trips included eagle watching along the Illinois River, canyon hiking at Starved Rock and sledding in Ottawa, plus the Adventure Travel Show in Rosemont with exhibit booths, scuba diving, animal exhibits, camel riding and a Segway course.

Local winter activities included visiting DeKalb County forest preserves, cabin camping at MacQueen and sledding at Russell Woods. In addition, Scouts participated in the Klondike Derby held at Sycamore Sportsman’s Club with Scouts and Webelos from all over DeKalb County.

The winter of 2011 was heavy with snow, which offered some great opportunities for winter adventures. Scouts from Troop 33 took every opportunity to enjoy the season as best they could.

Isaac Truckenbrod, Dan Corzine, working on a snow shelter they slept in during the night. (Photo provided)